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Bending Adversity: Japan and the Art of Survival  by David Pilling, Penguin Books, 2015.  Essence of Being Japanese Much of the book is devoted to trying to understand the essence of being Japanese. The Japanese believe that they are unique, but they cannot quite explain in what way. They are artistic, sensitive to nature, and believe in harmony. They are not individualists, like the Americans. The theory of their uniqueness is called Nihonjinron. In some ways, the Japanese b

Tokyo Vice: An American Reporter on the Police Beat in Japan  by Jake Adelstein, Pantheon Books, 2009. American Crime Reporter in Tokyo An American reporter covers crime in Tokyo. The way he obtained information from the police as to befriend particular policemen, including buying gifts for the cop’s children. Most of the crimes he investigated were committed by organized crime. 1990s and 2000s. Also domestic violence. Yakuza has a strong presence in real estate. The author l

A Craftsman’s Legacy: Why Working with Our Hands Gives Us Meaning by Eric Gorges with Jon Sternfeld, Algonquin Books , 2019. PBS & Motorcycles The author has a PBS show with the same title as this book. He also runs a busibness called Voodoo Choppers, which makes custom motorcycles. Topics Ceramics, art glass, stoneware, metal work (copper, brass, steel, silver, gold) Stone carving Sword smithing Custom clocks Knitting Woodworking Furniture making Make musical instruments

Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry into the Value of Work by Matthew B. Crawford, Penguin Books, Reprint, Paperback,, 2010.